Find Reliable Metal Stamping Manufacturers in China – Free Quote

Looking to source metal stamping products from a China manufacturer? Whether you are new to China sourcing or Amazon selling business, it is important to know the multiple facets involved in sourcing stamped metal products from China. This includes knowing the basics of the process, tools and technology used in design and manufacturing as well as finding the right manufacturer in China which is possible after negotiating a good price and ensuring the supplier understands your technical specifications.

Although this sounds complex, sourcing stamped products from China can be seamless and easy with the support from a China sourcing agent who specializes in this type of manufacturing.

What is metal stamping?

It is a process of manufacturing where flat metal sheets are converted into specific shapes with the application of high amounts of pressure. As a complex process, it involves a number of techniques and steps such as punching, blanking, embossing, coining, flanging, piercing and bending. The high-speed and low-cost manufacturing process is used to make a large number of identical metal components.

The process can involve a single stage where the desired shape of the part is produced with each stroke of the stamping press. It can also involve a series of stages where progressive dies are used to progressively shape the component. While the stamping process is typically performed using sheet metal, other flat materials can also be shaped using this technique.

Known also as ‘pressing’ or a cold-forming process, flat sheet metal is transformed into the desired part or component with the help of dies and stamping presses. The sheet metal pieces, known as blanks, are fed to the stamping press that has a tool and die surface which creates the required shape from the blanks.

Stamping refers to the metal forming process in which the manufacturer uses custom tooling and stamping techniques to make parts according to the customer’s specifications.

The process is utilized by multiple industries for meeting the demand for high volume production and to make identical precision parts. 

The process

Metal stamping, known also as pressing, is a process where flat sheet metal in the form of blanks or coils are placed in the stamping press. In the press, a tool and die surface the tool and die on the press give the desired shape to the metal.

Before shaping the metal in the press, the tooling has to be custom designed as per the product specifications using computer aided design and manufacturing or CAD/CAM technology. These designs need to be precise to make sure that the punch and bend retain proper clearance as well as optimal part quality. A 3D model of a tool can have hundreds of parts, making the design process complex and intricate.

After the custom tool is designed through CAD/CAM, the manufacturer uses various manufacturing methods including machining, wire EDM and grinding to complete the stamped metal parts production.

The various processes used include:

Blanking - Blanking involves cutting a rough shape or outline of the desired product. Experienced and reputable manufacturers in China focus on minimizing burr or rough edges on the metal at this stage. Burrs can drive up the lead time and the cost of making the part. The hole diameter, which is the spacing between hole and edge as well as geometry, is determined in this stage. The workpiece or blank is removed after it is shaped from the sheet metal, giving the desired blank.Punching - This process involves removal of scrap material from the workpiece as opposed to blanking where the workpiece is removed from the sheet metal.Bending - When bends such as L, U or V shapes are required in the part, the manufacturer uses bending techniques to create the shapes.Flanging - In this, specialized flanging machinery or dies are used to introduce flange or flare in the part. Flanging is also a type of bending where a ‘flange’ is created which is different from bends as the dimension of the bends are smaller than the part. Flanging gives a better finished appearance and provides edge strengthening and rigidity.Coining - In this the workpiece is positioned between the die and press. The metal is penetrated into by the tip of the punch  to create accurate and repeatable bends.Embossing - Embossing creates the desired raised or recessed design in the metal. 

The machines can go above just stamping and can punch, cut, cast, as well as shape metal sheets. Machines can be numerically controlled by computer or programmed to offer repeatability and high precision of each stamped piece.